Vedra took on fellow Division 5 side Washington Ox & Plough in their final preseason friendly.

Vedra went into this game having lost their previous 4 matches against very tough opposition. From kick off we looked a much more comfortable against a team of similar standard.

2 new signings came straight into the starting 11, Tom Chapman in goal and Liam Hardy at Centre Back, both lads were fantastic on their debuts.

Vedra went ahead after 15 minutes, a pinpoint long ball from Mark Brown is controlled and finished by Kye Horn. Ox & Plough quickly found the equaliser capitalising off a Vedra defensive error.

Kyle Burns, Mark Brown and Kieran Howard have formed a solid partnership in Midfield, between them they have good mixture of technical ability, strength and cardiovascular endurance.

After conceding Vedra bounced back straight away, great play down the right hand side by Callum White, his through ball was met by Ethan Hart who turns the defender, dribbles down the wing and slots it past the Washington Keeper, 2-1.

Just before half time Washington levelled the scores again, the referee blew for Half-Time at 2-2. Frustrating to concede 2 sloppy goals however spirits were high and Vedra were still in control going into the 2nd half.

Midway into the 2nd half Vedra won a corner which was taken by Mark Brown, great delivery into the back post which is headed into the box by Kieran Howard. This was ‘controlled’ by Kye Horn and laid off to Ethan Jackson who smashed it into the top corner, 3-2.

Vedra did have more chances, some great long range efforts from Mark Brown and attempts from Kye Horn.

Defensively Vedra looked much more solid, the additions of Liam and Tom have massively strengthened the side, and with Callum White in fine form at Right Back our strongest 11 is starting to take shape.

Man of the Match was awarded to Ethan Jackson. Ethan continued to lead by example as Captain and deserved to get the winning goal!

Hopefully Vedra can build on this win and get the season started on Sunday (05/09/2020) with a win.

Full Time - Wear United Vedra FC 3 - 2 Washington Ox & Plough